Barotse Floodplain

The Barotse Floodplain stretches along the Zambezi River and transforms dramatically as water levels rise and fall with the seasons. The landscape shifts from open grasslands and wetlands to submerged areas, creating a dynamic environment that changes throughout the year.

This region was the heart of the Lozi kingdom under King Lewanika, which extended across much of the area. The kingdom's influence on the region remains part of the heritage and identity of the people living here today.

The Kuomboka ceremony marks how communities here move between lowland and higher areas with the changing water levels, keeping a tradition tied to their environment. This seasonal movement shapes how people organize their year and their connection to the river.

Plan your visit around the water levels, as rainy season floods can make some areas unreachable while drier months offer easier access. Checking local conditions before you go helps you understand what parts of the floodplain you can explore.

The floodplain is home to fish species and waterbirds found nowhere else in the region, making it a rare refuge for wildlife. This exceptional biodiversity is what draws both local observers and visiting naturalists to study the area.